I like to share this with like minded people, and hope you don't mind.
I had a difficult relationship with my Father growing up, and always felt very insecure. He was very prominent within Chrysler and hot rod world, going back to the 50's. We didn't agree on much, except hot rods, even then... our likes were drastically different, he was a street rodder, and I loved drag racing. If you think they're the same, not in dad's eyes. I bought a 74 Duster in 78 (it was already called the Ruster) and a 340 to make a street/strip car... Dad took the plates, "No Drag car". I said I never planned to street race! Didn't matter.
Advance many years, we were never close. All changed when my mother suddenly passed from illness, and saw dad become very withdrawn and depressed. He'd been out of the car circles for many years, but i still saw the fire that drove him, when we reminisced. Karma is a funny thing, and can't always explain why things happen, when they do... Even though I wasn't looking really, I browse the car ad's.. who doesn't? The first car I saw.. 1974 Duster 340 that was mini-tubed... And it all came back.. so in jest i told dad... And was stunned when he said he was way to hard on me, and was sorry... The Duster was sold, but we talked it would be fun to work to work on cars again.... And for a single moment, that twinkle in his eyes was back..., I went looking for a car.
I found a 1972 Dart.. it was stripped, but solid-no rust, never been hit! When I got it home dad came over and said that would make a nice drag car! Dad... You just named "Our" next project! I can't now, Or ever see a man completely overwhelmed with joy, as my dad was that day! He said...it's got to have a HEMI! I almost was In tears.
Not too long after a few months of weekend's, dad got sick, and a year later he passed... I haven't touched the car since. Some may have seen our progress some time ago on the project forum.
I planned a 360/408 stroker, dad REALLY wanted to see a HEMI Dart. So, this brings us to today, what to do with the car...i have the car, but not the money for a HEMI, saving would take time, but to start with a block?, and go from there? Is it worth spending years? Buying (1) piston at a time? Or, sell the car with alot of emotional baggage sitting in the truck... Next to the fuel cell.
So this leaves me to ask for some... guidance if you will. I appreciate options from like minded people. All I ask if you wish to comment, please be respectful.
-Woodward
I had a difficult relationship with my Father growing up, and always felt very insecure. He was very prominent within Chrysler and hot rod world, going back to the 50's. We didn't agree on much, except hot rods, even then... our likes were drastically different, he was a street rodder, and I loved drag racing. If you think they're the same, not in dad's eyes. I bought a 74 Duster in 78 (it was already called the Ruster) and a 340 to make a street/strip car... Dad took the plates, "No Drag car". I said I never planned to street race! Didn't matter.
Advance many years, we were never close. All changed when my mother suddenly passed from illness, and saw dad become very withdrawn and depressed. He'd been out of the car circles for many years, but i still saw the fire that drove him, when we reminisced. Karma is a funny thing, and can't always explain why things happen, when they do... Even though I wasn't looking really, I browse the car ad's.. who doesn't? The first car I saw.. 1974 Duster 340 that was mini-tubed... And it all came back.. so in jest i told dad... And was stunned when he said he was way to hard on me, and was sorry... The Duster was sold, but we talked it would be fun to work to work on cars again.... And for a single moment, that twinkle in his eyes was back..., I went looking for a car.
I found a 1972 Dart.. it was stripped, but solid-no rust, never been hit! When I got it home dad came over and said that would make a nice drag car! Dad... You just named "Our" next project! I can't now, Or ever see a man completely overwhelmed with joy, as my dad was that day! He said...it's got to have a HEMI! I almost was In tears.
Not too long after a few months of weekend's, dad got sick, and a year later he passed... I haven't touched the car since. Some may have seen our progress some time ago on the project forum.
I planned a 360/408 stroker, dad REALLY wanted to see a HEMI Dart. So, this brings us to today, what to do with the car...i have the car, but not the money for a HEMI, saving would take time, but to start with a block?, and go from there? Is it worth spending years? Buying (1) piston at a time? Or, sell the car with alot of emotional baggage sitting in the truck... Next to the fuel cell.
So this leaves me to ask for some... guidance if you will. I appreciate options from like minded people. All I ask if you wish to comment, please be respectful.
-Woodward
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